ULAN BATOR, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Young Mongolian wrestler Purev Burentugs from the western Mongolian province of Uvs ascended to the highest rank of Titan in the country's traditional wrestling tournament on Sunday.
Burentugs became Titan after he defeated Titan Namsraijav Batsuuri from the same province in the final round of the wrestling tournament as a part of Naadam, an annual national sports festival.
The 32-year-old wrestler became the 25th Titan in the history of Mongolian traditional wrestling.
He reached Lion, the second-highest rank of the traditional wrestling, nine years ago.
Naadam means "games" in the Mongolian language.
The festival is the most important event for Mongolian traditional wrestlers, who can only attain rank during this festival.
There are many titles for Mongolian traditional wrestlers, such as Titan, Lion, Garuda, Elephant, Hawk and Falcon.
A wrestler who wins five fights in succession during Naadam becomes known as a Falcon, and a seven-fight winner takes the title of Elephant. The title of Lion is bestowed on the winner of the entire festival, and a two-time festival winner becomes known as Titan.
A total of 512 wrestlers across Mongolia competed in this year's Naadam.
Seven wrestlers became Falcons, three wrestlers took the title of Hawk and one wrestler reached the title of Elephant during this year's Naadam.
Inscribed in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the official holiday is celebrated every year from July 11 to July 15 and features "Three Games of Men," namely wrestling, horse racing and archery. Enditem
